My Computer is Cursed by W11 - impossible to reset


baki

Member
Local time
5:43 AM
Posts
5
OS
Windows 11
So since one month and a half my computer started to miss Audio devices, audio card, no sound and so on. I tried to update but something went wrong. CF : Audio Services Windows not activated - Please help
Since this day, I can use, per se, the computer. Like I can open chrome, skype, but every thing concerning with the OS is impossible to use. The windows key, the parameter, the config panel, the explorer, nothings works.
This morning, after the 10th "enough is enough" that I say out loud, I decided to create a Bootable USB Key.
1. I tried with my laptop, plug it in my dekstop. > doesn't work the PC doesn't recognize the usb key, I don't have it as Boot options. (with F12 at the start)
2. I tried to directly click the iso on the USB key from the defectuous PC > nope, the installer is stuck as "looking for updates" nothing more happens

So now, what can I do ?
I could try to throw it from the window maybe.
Any way, I don't even want to keep my files on it, if you guys have a solution that erase my files it's alright.
I really hates what is happening...
Thank you in advance guys.
 
Windows Build/Version
21H2 22000.258

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    acer nitro n50-600
    CPU
    i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz
    Motherboard
    ??
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660
    Sound Card
    Nvidia + Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x benq pd2700u
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Mouse
    logitech hero
    Internet Speed
    1gb/s
When Windows 11 was installed please indicate whether:
a) it passed or did not pass the compatibility checker
b) an update was offered via the Windows update assistant
c) a manual upgrade was performed by an in place upgrade repair
d) clean install

If you want to troubleshoot some trial and error steps can be provided.




These steps typically have a finite period: (require the installation of drivers and applications)

A reset save files or clean install can be performed.

If there are no partition issues then a reset save files is an efficient recovery method.

If there are any partition issues from a prior upgrade or clone then a clean install is preferred.


These are some tutorials:

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation
Unless you have a ton of programs installed that somehow are difficult to install again, I would simply reinstall Windows. Just wipe the drive and proceed with the clean install.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-10600K
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix Z490-A Gaming
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 1650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung U32J59x 32" 4K
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
Given the problems, I'm guessing this was an in-situ upgrade and not a clean install ....

Wipe and clean (re-)install, and even consider replacing the drive with a new SSD

you could spend the next xx days/weeks/months troubleshooting - you might hit it first go >>> you might never solve it, and al that time is wasted. Your call

If your device IS fully Windows 11 compliant : Download Windows Media creation Tool and create a win 11 boot USB
If your device IS NOT fully Windows 11 compliant : Download Rufus, and Windows 11 ISO; run Rufus and use the option to not check compliance and create a Win 11 boot USB
Disconnect the internet
With new drive installed, and all other drives (intnl and/or xtnl) disconnected, boot from the USB
Install Win 11; don't input/use a license key; don't connect the internet at any stage (even when intimidatingly threatened by Microsoft about an incomplete setup ... nuts!)
During installation, uncheck all the Windows bells-and-whistles that are offered - you're there to install Windows, not connect your phone, not to connect your Xbox, not to set up an audio-visual multimedia entertainment centre (do that after Windows is up and running)
When finished, re-boot (not required/essential, just worth it to check the installation worked)
Connect the internet, run Windows update until exhausted, included hardware drivers and optional updates
Install your other software
And now you can install any Windows extras you want to turn it into a toy, or just keep it as a legitimately functioning computer

If anything goes pear shaped, you've still got your old system (flawed as it might be) intact on the other drive to stick back in your computer
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
baki, I know that others have already suggested that you try a clean install, however, in your original post you noted that you could not boot from your USB key.

I'd like to suggest a very specific method for creating your USB key that should work even when tools like the Microsoft Media Creation tool fail.

Follow these steps:

Connect your USB key to a USB port.

Go to the Windows 11 download page here:


Choose the option "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)" and save the ISO image.

After the download is complete, double-click that ISO image in File Explorer. It should open in File Explorer to display the contents. Take note of what drive letter is being shown for that ISO image.

Take all the text in the box below and copy it into notepad. Save the file on your desktop with the name "Create Boot Disk.bat".

Code:
@echo off

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: This batch file will allow you to create a Windows installation disk. This can be a flash drive or a HD.  ::
:: It is designed to create a drive that will boot on either a BIOS or UEFI based system and it is perfectly ::
:: fine for any files in the installation media to be larger than 4 GB.                                      ::
::                                                                                                           ::
:: Note that Windows 11 is only available in 64-bit editions, while Windows 10 is available in both 32-bit   ::
:: and 64-bit editions. Since this batch file is perfectly capable of creating dual architecture media it is ::
:: perfectly suitable for the creation of both Windows 10 and Windows 11 boot media.                         ::
::                                                                                                           ::
:: Originally created December 2020 by HSehestedt and ZTrucker                                               ::
:: Updates created and maintaned by HSehestedt                                                               ::
:: Last updated January 5, 2022                                                                              ::
::                                                                                                           ::
:: Version 1.10.00                                                                                           ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Explanation of User Customizable Settings ::                                                                   ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::                                                                   ::
:: Set the variables below to customize the behavior of the batch file.                                           ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Important: Values are case sensitive.                                                                          ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: HideDetails - Set to "Y" to hide the details of every file being copied. Set to "N" or anything other than     ::
::    "Y" to show the detailed copy status. May be helpful for troubleshooting.                                   ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Partition1Size - This specifies the size in MB to create the first FAT32 partition. Suggestion: 1000 MB        ::
::    (roughly 1GB) should be a good value for most situations. Use a number only (no MB after the number). If    ::
::    use a customized image with many Windows editions, it's possible that you may need to increase the size of  ::
::    this partition.                                                                                             ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Part2SizeLimit - Set to either "N" or a numerical value. If you set this to "N", the size of the 2nd           ::
::    partition will be unlimited and will be created with all the remaining space not used by partition 1. If    ::
::    you would like to limit the size of the partition, specify a size in MB to create this partition.           ::
::    Note: 1 GB would be 1000 and 1 TB would be 1000000 (DON'T USE A COMMA IN VALUE!). Limiting the size is      ::
::    useful if you want to add other partitions to the drive. For example, I have a flash drive that I can       ::
::    install Windows from, but it also has another partition that is BitLocker protected with all my software    ::
::    applications, personal documents, etc.                                                                      ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Part2FS - This sets the filesystem type to use on the 2nd partition. Either exFAT or NTFS can be specified.    ::
::    Set this value to either "NTFS" or "exFAT". CAUTION: This IS case sensitive.                                ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Partition1Name - This is the volume label to give the first partition. Since this is a FAT32 partition, the    ::
::    volume label is limited to 11 characters.                                                                   ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: Partition2Name - This is the volume label to give the second partition. If you choose to use exFAT you are     ::
::    limited to 11 characters. With NTFS you have up to 32 characters.                                           ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: PartType - Set to either MBR or GPT. Normally, leave this set to MBR. An MBR partition type will allow for the ::
::    greatest compatibility with both BIOS and UEFI based systems. However, it is limited to disks with up to    ::
::    2TB in size. If you plan to use a disk larger than 2TB you must specify a GPT partition type. Please be     ::
::    aware that doing this will limit compatibility so that it will not work on BIOS based systems.              ::
::                                                                                                                ::
:: AutoDismount - Set this to Y if you want the source ISO image to be automatically dismounted by this batch     ::
::    file when it is done running. If you do NOT want the image dismounted, set this to N. NOTE: Technically,    ::
::    the image will be dismounted when set to asnything other than N.                                            ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

set HideDetails=N
set Partition1Size=1000
set Part2SizeLimit=N
set Part2FS=NTFS
set Partition1Name=PAR-1-FAT32
set Partition2Name=PAR-2-%Part2FS%
set PartType=MBR
set AutoDismount=Y

:start

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: If the user wants to hide the details of files being copied, we append a "/nfl /ndl" to the end     ::
:: of robocopy commands. By setting a flag to either nothing or to "/nfl /ndl" we can use the same     ::
:: commands and the variable "flag" at the end of each command will determine how the command behaves. ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if %HideDetails%==Y (
set flag=/nfl /ndl
) ELSE (
set flag=
)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Enable Delayed Expansion and Extensions, and change to the directory where the batch file is located. ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

setlocal enabledelayedexpansion
setlocal enableextensions
cd /d %~dp0

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Check to see if this batch file is being run as Administrator. If it is not, then rerun the batch file ::
:: automatically as admin and terminate the intial instance of the batch file.                            ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(Fsutil Dirty Query %SystemDrive%>Nul)||(PowerShell start """%~f0""" -verb RunAs & Exit /B)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: End Routine to check if being run as Admin ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: We reach this point once the batch file is run as admin ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Change the console mode to 120 columns wide by 25 lines high ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

mode con: cols=120 lines=25

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Ask user for location of mounted ISO image or the directory containing the Windows files ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
echo Introduction
echo ============
echo.
echo This batch file will create a bootable flash drive from a mounted Windows ISO image or an image extracted to disk.
echo If you are using an ISO image, mount it before you continue by double-clicking the ISO image and note the drive
echo letter to which it is mounted.
echo.
echo You will be asked if you want to wipe the destination disk or perform a refresh operation. If this is the first
echo time preparing the disk, use the WIPE option. Be aware that this will destroy ALL data currently on the disk^^!
echo.
echo If you choose the REFRESH option, you will be asked for the drive letter of the two partitions previously
echo created on the disk. We will then replace the files on these partitions with those from the source that you
echo specify. This is especially helpful if you create additional partitions on the disk because it will leave
echo those partitions intact.
echo.
pause
cls
echo Do you want to perform a WIPE operation or a REFRESH operation?
echo.
choice /C WR /N /M "Press W or R to respond:"
if errorlevel 2 set WipeRefresh=REFRESH & goto GetSourcePath
if errorlevel 1 set WipeRefresh=WIPE & goto GetSourcePath

:GetSourcePath

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Get the path to the Windows source files.                           ::
:: Tip: The path can end with or without a backslash (\). For example, ::
:: either D:, D:\, D:\ISO_Files, D:\ISO_Files\ are all valid paths.    ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
echo Enter the path to the SOURCE where your Windows files are located below. Example: E:\
echo.
:GetSourcePath
set /p SourcePath="Enter source path: "

:: Add a trailing backslash (\) if one does not exist

IF NOT "%SourcePath:~-1%"=="\" (
set SourcePath=%SourcePath%\
)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Any valid Windows boot media will have a file called "boot\bootfix.bin" on the drive. This is true for both ::
:: single architecture images (x64 or x86) or for images with dual architectures. We will do a simple check to ::
:: see if such a file exists as a basic test for a valid source image location.                                ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if NOT EXIST %SourcePath%boot\bootfix.bin (
cls
echo The location that you specified does not contain a valid Windows image. Please try another location.
echo If you are specifying a location on disk, please be sure to specify the location to the root of the
echo Windows image. If you are using an ISO image, you should double-click the ISO image to mount it and
echo note the drive letter to which it was mounted.
echo.
goto GetSourcePath
)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: The directory structure for a dual architecture image (one that has BOTH x64 and x86 images) will include    ::
:: \x64 and \x86 folders. In order for us to properly handle this, we need to determine if the source specified ::
:: is a single of dual architecture image. To do so, we will simply check for the existance on a \x64 folder.   ::
:: The variable Architecture will be set to either SINGLE or DUAL.                                              ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if exist %SourcePath%\x64 (
set Architecture=DUAL
) ELSE (
set Architecture=SINGLE
)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: If a refresh operation was selected, then we need to ask the user for the drive letter associated ::
:: with the partitions. Otherwise, we need to identify what disk will be wiped.                      ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

If %WipeRefresh%==WIPE goto GetDiskNum

:GetPar1Letter

cls
echo Please enter the drive letter of the FIRST partition (the FAT32 partition) on the disk that we will refresh. Please
echo enter a drive letter only with no colon (:).
echo.
set /P Partition1="Drive letter of FIRST partition: "

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: As a safety check, verify that the first partition has a file \boot\bootfix.bin ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if exist %Partition1%:\boot\bootfix.bin goto GetPar2Letter
cls
echo ERROR! Either the drive letter you specified does not exist or it does not seem to contain a previously
echo created partition with suitable Windows installation files.
echo.
echo Please verify that you have specified the correct drive letter.
echo.
pause
goto GetPar1Letter

:GetPar2Letter

cls
echo Please enter the drive letter of the SECOND partition (the exFAT or NTFS partition) on the disk that we will
echo refresh. Please enter a drive letter only with no colon (:).
echo.
set /P Partition2="Drive letter of SECOND partition: "

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: As a safety check, verify that the second partition has either a \Sources or a \x64 folder ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if exist %Partition2%:\Sources goto Par2Valid
if exist %Partition2%:\x64 goto Par2Valid

cls
echo ERROR! Either the drive letter you specified does not exist or it does not seem to contain a previously
echo created partition with suitable Windows installation files.
echo.
echo Please verify that you have specified the correct drive letter.
echo.
pause
goto GetPar2Letter

:Par2Valid

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Since we are performing a refresh operation, there is no need for us to get a disk number. We will ::
:: skip that and proceed to the summary screen.                                                       ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

goto Summary

:GetDiskNum

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Display a list of disks seen by the system. ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
(echo list disk
echo exit
) | diskpart

echo.
echo Above is a list of disks connected to your system. Scroll up if the list is too long.
echo CAUTION: *MAKE SURE* that you specify the correct disk because it will be erased. Press CTRL-C to abort.
echo.
set /p DiskID="Enter the disk number for the DESTINATION disk (Enter only the number and press ENTER): "

if [%DiskID%] EQU [] Goto GetDiskNum

:Summary

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Display a summary of options that will be used and get confirmation ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
echo Summary of options you have selected:
echo.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: These summary items apply to both WIPE and REFRESH operations ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

echo Path for the source files: %SourcePath%

if %HideDetails%==Y (
echo File copy status details WILL NOT be displayed
) ELSE (
echo File copy status details WILL be displayed
)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: The summary items below apply only to WIPE operations, so if a ::
:: REFRESH is being performed, skip this section                  ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if %WipeRefresh%==REFRESH goto RefreshSummary

echo Drive number to make bootable: %DiskID%
echo Partition type: %PartType%
echo Partition 1 size: %Partition1Size% MB
echo Partition 2 filesystem type: %Part2FS%

if NOT %Part2SizeLimit%==N (
echo Partition 2 size: %Part2SizeLimit% MB
) ELSE (
echo Partition 2 size: Use all remaining space
)

echo Partition 1 volume label: %Partition1Name%
echo Partition 2 volume label: %Partition2Name%

goto GetConfirmation

:RefreshSummary

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: These items apply only to a REFRESH operation. ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

echo Drive letter of FIRST partition to refresh: %Partition1%:
echo Drive letter of SECOND partition to refresh: %Partition2%:

:GetConfirmation

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Time to get final confirmation from user. If the user does not confirm ::
:: that everything is correct, show some possible resolutions.            ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

echo.
choice /C YN /N /M "Is this correct? (Press Y or N to respond):"
if errorlevel 2 (
cls
echo.
echo        Symptom                                            Corrective Action
echo        =======                                            =================
echo Source path is wrong:                 Run the program again and respond with the correct path
echo Wrong drive number for a WIPE:        Run the program again and respond with the correct drive number
echo Wrong drive letters for a REFRESH:    Run the program again and respond with the correct drive letters
echo File copy status display incorrect:   Change the setting of "HideDetails" at start of program
echo Wrong partition sizes:                Change the setting of "Partition1Size" or "Part2SizeLimit" at start of program
echo Wrong volume labels for a WIPE:       Change the setting of "Partition1Name" or "Partition2Name" at start of program
echo Wrong partition type:                 Change the setting of "PartType" at start of program
echo.
pause
exit
)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: We are creating 2 partions. A FAT32 partition and an exFAT or NTFS partition. We only need the sources   ::
:: folder on the exFAT or NTFS partition. On the FAT32 partition, we want everything else. We also want the ::
:: single file called BOOT.WIM in the sources folder on the FAT32 partition.                                ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
if %WipeRefresh%==WIPE echo We are partitioning the destination drive and copying files.
if %WipeRefresh%==REFRESH echo We are formatting drives %Partition1%: and %Partition2%:    and copying files. Other partitions will be left alone.
echo Please be patient^^! This can take a while especially if your drive is slow.
echo.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: If we are performing a REFRESH, then there are a lot of steps that we can skip. ::
:: As a result, we will skip to the CopyOperations section.                     ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if %WipeRefresh%==REFRESH goto CopyOperations

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: We will first wipe the selected disk. This will free up any drive letters currently used by that disk. ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(echo select disk %DiskID%
echo clean
echo convert %PartType%
echo rescan
echo exit
) | diskpart > nul

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Determine the first available drive letter ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

for %%a in (C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z) do if not exist %%a:\nul (
set Partition1=%%a
goto DriveLetter1Found
)
:DriveLetter1Found

echo The first partition will be assigned drive letter %Partition1%: and will be formatted with FAT32.

(echo select disk %DiskID%
echo create partition primary size=%Partition1Size%
echo select partition 1
echo format fs=fat32 quick
echo assign letter=%Partition1%
echo active
echo rescan
echo exit
) | diskpart > nul

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Determine the next available drive letter ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

for %%a in (C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z) do if not exist %%a:\nul (
set Partition2=%%a
goto DriveLetter2Found
)
:DriveLetter2Found
echo The second partition will be assigned drive letter %Partition2%: and will be formatted with %Part2FS%.
echo.

if %Part2SizeLimit%=="N" goto NoSizeLimit

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: User has elected to create the second partition with a specific size ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(echo select disk %DiskID%
echo create partition primary size=%Part2SizeLimit%
echo format fs=%Part2FS% quick
echo assign letter=%Partition2%
echo rescan
echo exit
) | diskpart > nul

:NoSizeLimit

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: User has elected create the second partition with all remaining space ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(echo select disk %DiskID%
echo create partition primary
echo format fs=%Part2FS% quick
echo assign letter=%Partition2%
echo rescan
echo exit
) | diskpart > nul

:PartitionsCreated

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Set volume labels on the two partitions that we just created. ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

label %Partition1%:%Partition1Name%
label %Partition2%:%Partition2Name%

:CopyOperations

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: This section is for the copy operations from SOURCE to DESTINATION ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Technical Notes:                                                                                                 ::
::                                                                                                                  ::
:: Some flash drives present themselves as a fixed disk and as a result they my have a recyle bin folder on them.   ::
:: We are excluding the system folders which includes the recycle bin from the following operation. The /njh and    ::
:: /njs switches prevent robocopy from displaying the header and summary information. If you want to stop robocopy  ::
:: from displaying file copy progress just add a /nfl /ndl (No File Listing and No Directory Listing) to each       ::
:: robocopy command. Note that if the user elected to hide details of the copy operation, then the variable "flag"  ::
:: will be set to "/nfl /ndl" which will hide the directory and file listings.                                      ::
::                                                                                                                  ::
:: For reasons unknown to me, sometimes a path enclosed in quotes does not work in robocopy unless you add a        ::
:: trailing space. In the below commands I found this to be true only on the first robocopy command but I've added  ::
:: the space to all commands for consistency. We need the quotes just in case a path with spaces in the name is     ::
:: specified.                                                                                                       ::
::                                                                                                                  ::
:: It was previously necessary to create a file named ei.cfg in the \Sources foler. Technically, this file is only  ::
:: needed if you are NOT using an AUTOUNATTEND.XML answer file, but it won't hurt to have it there anyway. However, ::
:: in my testing, it seems that this file is no longer necessary. As a result, the code to create that file is      ::
:: commented out below but I have not removed it just in case it is needed again.                                   ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

if %Architecture%==DUAL goto DualArchitecture

:: Copying files to the FAT32 partition

robocopy "%SourcePath% " %Partition1%:\ /mir /xd sources "system volume information" $recycle.bin /njh /njs %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler1
robocopy "%SourcePath%sources " %Partition1%:\sources boot.wim /njh /njs %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler1

:: Copying files to the exFAT or NTFS partition

robocopy "%SourcePath%sources " %Partition2%:\sources /mir /njh /njs /xf boot.wim %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler2
robocopy %Partition1%:\ %Partition2%:\ /mov autounattend*.xml %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler2

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Technical note: It was previously necessary to create a file named ei.cfg in the \Sources foler. Technically,  ::
:: this file is only needed if you are NOT using an AUTOUNATTEND.XML answer file, but it won't hurt to have it    ::
:: there anyway. However, in my testing, it seems that this file is no longer necessary. As a result, the code to ::
:: create that file is commented out below but I have not removed it just in case it is needed again.             ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

:: echo [CHANNEL] > %Partition2%:\sources\ei.cfg
:: echo Retail >> %Partition2%:\sources\ei.cfg

goto DoneCopying

:DualArchitecture

:: Copying files to the FAT32 partition

robocopy "%SourcePath% " %Partition1%:\ /mir /xd sources x64 x86 "system volume information" $recycle.bin /njh /njs %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler1
robocopy "%SourcePath%x64\sources " %Partition1%:\x64\sources boot.wim /njh /njs %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler1
robocopy "%SourcePath%x86\sources " %Partition1%:\x86\sources boot.wim /njh /njs %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler1

:: Copying files to the exFAT or NTFS partition

robocopy "%SourcePath%x64\sources " %Partition2%:\x64\sources /mir /njh /njs /xf boot.wim %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler2
robocopy "%SourcePath%x86\sources " %Partition2%:\x86\sources /mir /njh /njs /xf boot.wim %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler2
robocopy %Partition1%:\ %Partition2%:\ /mov autounattend*.xml %flag%
if %ERRORLEVEL% gtr 3 goto ErrorHandler2

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Technical note: It was previously necessary to create a file named ei.cfg in the \Sources foler. Technically,  ::
:: this file is only needed if you are NOT using an AUTOUNATTEND.XML answer file, but it won't hurt to have it    ::
:: there anyway. However, in my testing, it seems that this file is no longer necessary. As a result, the code to ::
:: create that file is commented out below but I have not removed it just in case it is needed again.             ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

:: echo [CHANNEL] > %Partition2%:\x64\sources\ei.cfg
:: echo Retail >> %Partition2%:\x64\sources\ei.cfg

:: echo [CHANNEL] > %Partition2%:\x86\sources\ei.cfg
:: echo Retail >> %Partition2%:\x86\sources\ei.cfg

:DoneCopying

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Dismount the disk image ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

IF %AutoDismount%==N goto DismountDone

:: Strip the backslash from the path
IF "!SourcePath:~-1!"=="\" SET SourcePath=!SourcePath:~,-1!

:: Dismount the image
powershell.exe -command "Dismount-DiskImage -DevicePath \\.\%SourcePath%" > NUL

:DismountDone

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Inform the user that we are done. Also, as a precaution, check to see if an ::
:: unattended setupanswer file is present and warn the user if it is.          ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

cls
echo All operations have been completed.
echo.

if exist %Partition2%:\autounattend.xml (
echo ^^!CAUTION^^! An unattended setup file ^(autounattend.xml^) is present on the 2nd partition.
echo As a result, if you boot from this disk, an unattended installation will begin. This has
echo the potential to wipe out the contents of disks attached to your system without warning.
echo.
echo It might be a wise idea to carefully label the bootable media to reflect this situation.
echo As an alternative, consider temporarily renaming the autounattend.xml to something else.
echo.
)
pause

:END

exit


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Error Handling Routines ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

:ErrorHandler1
cls
echo There was an error copying files to partition #1. Please verify that partition #1 has sufficient space available.
echo Please correct the situation and run the script again. If you are changing the partition sizes, then you will
echo need to use the WIPE operation to create new partitions with the newly specified sizes.
echo.
pause
goto END

:ErrorHandler2
cls
echo There was an error copying files to partition #2. Please verify that partition #2 has sufficient space available.
echo Please correct the situation and run the script again. If you are changing the partition sizes, then you will
echo need to use the WIPE operation to create new partitions with the newly specified sizes.
echo.
pause
goto END

Double click on "Create Boot Disk.bat".

When you are asked if you want to perform a Wipe or a Refresh, press "W" to choose wipe.

You will be asked for the source path. Enter the drive letter you noted earlier for the ISO image. Example: E:

A list of all drives in your system will now be shown. Enter the drive number of your USB key.

Allow the program to create the key. Note that this can take a while, especially if you have a slow USB key. Just allow it to complete.

When done, try booting from the key again.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-11700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z590-A
    Memory
    128GB Crucial Ballistix 3200MHz DRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    No GPU - CPU graphics only (for now)
    Sound Card
    Realtek (on motherboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP Envy 32
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    1 x 1TB NVMe Gen 4 x 4 SSD
    1 x 2TB NVMe Gen 3 x 4 SSD
    2 x 512GB 2.5" SSDs
    2 x 8TB HD
    PSU
    Corsair HX850i
    Case
    Corsair iCue 5000X RGB
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black cooler + 10 case fans
    Keyboard
    CODE backlit mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1 Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Additional options installed:
    WiFi 6E PCIe adapter
    ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 PCIe adapter
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro 23H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 2
    CPU
    Intel i7-1255U
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek® ALC3306-CG codec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13.3-inch IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
    Hard Drives
    2 TB 4 x 4 NVMe SSD
    PSU
    USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 Power / Charging
    Mouse
    Buttonless Glass Precision Touchpad
    Keyboard
    Backlit, spill resistant keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    WiFi 6e / Bluetooth 5.1 / Facial Recognition / Fingerprint Sensor / ToF (Time of Flight) Human Presence Sensor
A repair install might just do the trick here.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3500
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
Try these from the Command Prompt (run as administrater)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

To perform a more advanced check:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

To repair the disc image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Worth a try before more sever measures, defo try @BunnyJ suggestion first
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
Try these from the Command Prompt (run as administrater)
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

To perform a more advanced check:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

To repair the disc image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Worth a try before more sever measures, defo try @BunnyJ suggestion first
Totally agree.. the simple then go after it like a lion.,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3500
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
A repair install might just do the trick here.
That would be the way I would go. If the repair install fails, then do the clean install. I always use the clean install when all else fails.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@Winuser are you not a fan of the Dism then? I like to try the simple things first as a clean install is a bit extreme :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
I think @zbook asked the proper questions.

I also noticed that OP tried to run USB from windows and wants to get rid of install so, this is an Acer machine so maybe a reboot and use F12 for boot menu to run the usb.
If secure boot is enabled, you may have to disable it. Also, some Acer need to have F12 option enabled in bios.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i9-12900K Desktop Processor 16 (8P+8E)
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z790-PLUS WIFI D4
    Memory
    G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32gb (2x16gb) DDR4 3200mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus Dual Geforce Rtx™ 3060 TI Edition 8gb Gddr6
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ EW3270U 31.5” 3840x2160 UHD 16:9 HDR LED 4K LG 27UK850-W 27'' 4K UHD IPS LED Monitor with HDR10
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 with heatsink PRO PCIe 4.0 Gen 4 NVMe® SSD 1TB
    WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe M.2 2280 1TB PCI-Express 4.0
    Crucial T500 2TB Gen4
    Samsung 970 Evo M.2 2280 2tb Pcie Gen3. X4
    PSU
    Corsair AXi Series AX860i Digital 860W 80 PLUS PSU
    Case
    Fractal Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case
    Keyboard
    Logi MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logi M705
    Internet Speed
    400 mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32
    Other Info
    Love fast boots
@baki,
You posted, "2. I tried to directly click the iso on the USB key from the defectuous PC"
That is why your USB flash drive will not boot. You can't just copy the single ISO file to the USB flash drive. You have to create a bootable USB flash drive from the contents contained inside the ISO file. I recommend you download Microsoft's own media creation tool for Windows 11 and just let it create a USB flash drive for you:

If you don't like Windows 11, you could always install Windows 10. Of course, you would have to fix your USB flash drive booting problem.
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool:

Run the Media Creation Tool and just let it create the USB flash drive for you.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
@Winuser are you not a fan of the Dism then? I like to try the simple things first as a clean install is a bit extreme :)
It's not that I'm not a fan. It's just that I've had more success doing repair installs. I'll try the easiest methods first. If I feel I'm getting nowhere, I'll ask for help on the forum. If that doesn't work, I'll either try a repair install or an image restore. It depends on the problem I'm having. A clean install is always my last option.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I always use Rufus to make a bootable USB stick. It works better than the Media Creation tool in my opinion.

I've never done anything with DISM.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550-A Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 6600XT with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Realtek integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer Nitro 24" RG241Y 144hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital Black SN770 1 TB NVMe SSD
    Samsung 860 QVO 1 TB SATA SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD
    PSU
    LEPA B650 650 watt
    Case
    Enermax Coenus
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper T4 air
    Keyboard
    CM Storm Devastator
    Mouse
    E-Blue Cobra Jr.
    Internet Speed
    100mbs
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Optical Drives: LG DVD-RW and Pioneer BluRay/ DVD burner
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
    Motherboard
    Asus board (GA402RK)
    Memory
    16 GB Samsung DDR5-4800
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Radeon 680M and discrete Radeon RX 6800S with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek with Dolby Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen 14" WQXGA, IPS, 120hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (WD Black SN850)
    PSU
    Battery power and Asus power brick/adapter. Also has USB-C charging
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Laptop fans in vapor chamber
    Mouse
    Touchpad and Omoton bluetooth mouse
    Keyboard
    Built in RGB backlit
    Internet Speed
    100mbps
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
That's not a lot of use to the OP if he can't boot from USB. I agree Rufus is a good bit of kit, but as I said try the easy things first as a clean install is a bit daunting for some users
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
Media Creation Tool v. Rufus:
The Media Creation Tool will always make a USB flash drive that is universally compatible with legacy BIOS and all UEFI computers. With Rufus, if you choose the wrong options, you may get a flash drive that is not compatible with your computer or desired mode to boot in.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
That's not a lot of use to the OP if he can't boot from USB. I agree Rufus is a good bit of kit, but as I said try the easy things first as a clean install is a bit daunting for some users
I said it because I have made USB sticks with the Creation tool that would not boot. I have never had that problem with Rufus. He just may have a bad burn of the ISO.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550-A Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 6600XT with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Realtek integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer Nitro 24" RG241Y 144hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital Black SN770 1 TB NVMe SSD
    Samsung 860 QVO 1 TB SATA SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD
    PSU
    LEPA B650 650 watt
    Case
    Enermax Coenus
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper T4 air
    Keyboard
    CM Storm Devastator
    Mouse
    E-Blue Cobra Jr.
    Internet Speed
    100mbs
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Optical Drives: LG DVD-RW and Pioneer BluRay/ DVD burner
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
    Motherboard
    Asus board (GA402RK)
    Memory
    16 GB Samsung DDR5-4800
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Radeon 680M and discrete Radeon RX 6800S with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek with Dolby Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen 14" WQXGA, IPS, 120hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (WD Black SN850)
    PSU
    Battery power and Asus power brick/adapter. Also has USB-C charging
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Laptop fans in vapor chamber
    Mouse
    Touchpad and Omoton bluetooth mouse
    Keyboard
    Built in RGB backlit
    Internet Speed
    100mbps
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
I like to try the simple things first
I'm right there with you. People overlook that sometimes a simple SFC can fix problems. Depending on what other people's problems are, that's always my first step, then DISM. Repair install comes in third with clean install last. When dealing with my own stuff, the order is SFC followed by restore from backup (because I always have one...or 5)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3447
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
I'm right there with you. People overlook that sometimes a simple SFC can fix problems. Depending on what other people's problems are, that's always my first step, then DISM. Repair install comes in third with clean install last. When dealing with my own stuff, the order is SFC followed by restore from backup (because I always have one...or 5)
I think you have it dead right there @glasskuter
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
Turn off Secure Boot - Clear all TPM settings (factory) - Boot from Strelec or Hiren's BCD - Use DISKPART to format the drive - Reboot with a Windows 10 or 11 install USB stick and do the clean install.

Rule of thumb from 30+ years of tech support - If it takes more than 30 minutes of troubleshooting to fix the issue (and the client agrees) blow the machine up and start clean :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 19043.1149 x64

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